As we finally said goodbye to 2020 — a year many people were happy to see in the rearview mirror — it’s finally time to start looking forward to life post-pandemic. Vaccine distributions are heating up across the nation and the CDC is already starting to loosen restrictions on vaccinated individuals. Let’s see the top outdoor amenities buyers are looking for in 2021.
If you’re anything like the rest of the nation, you’ll be celebrating this newfound freedom outside, especially after a year of being locked up inside.
Homebuyers are no different. Unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the importance of updated outdoor spaces, which have become a focal point of buyer demand.
If you’re a homeowner willing to sell, there are plenty of perks to take advantage of in the coming months. In fact, due to the prevalent seller’s market, which will likely extend into summer and fall, selling your home quickly and profitably has never been easier.
While the lack of inventory and high demand guarantees you’ll have plenty of eyes on your home, there’s still work to be done before you finally add that ‘For Sale” sign to your front lawn.
What outdoor amenities buyers are looking for
Naturally, after a year cooped up inside, buyers are searching for homes with updated, idyllic outdoor spaces in order to host friends and family for celebrations once the pandemic is completely behind us, but also to set themselves up with more outdoor space on the off chance the nation is plagued with another pandemic.
According to HomeLight’s Spring 2021 survey, the top outdoor amenities buyers are looking for in a new home include fire pits, built-in grills, outdoor lights, and comfortable outdoor furnishings.
These additions will not only keep you and your family entertained prior to the sale, but they’ll also add plenty of value to your home when it comes time to sell.
The next focus? Curb appeal. Buyers will start judging your home from the moment they first pull into your driveway, so you’ll need to impress them from the get-go. Mow your lawn, paint your front door, plant some flowers, buy large house numbers, and simply tidy up your exterior.
Keep return on investment in mind
Some of you out there may be wondering how to upgrade your outdoor space even further. The value of an inground pool has increased by an estimated 69% since the arrival of COVID-19, which is no surprise as private pools are great entertainment for those locked away due to a national pandemic.
So a pool would be a good investment before selling, right?
The answer isn’t so simple. One thing to always keep in mind before adding a pool is maintenance. Pool upkeep can take anywhere from $3,000 – $5,000 a year, while installation costs can add up to $42,000 – $150,000 depending on the type.
Furthermore, while an in-ground pool may add a huge chunk of value to your property, the cost of an installment is also rising. Renovation projects have risen dramatically in the last year, as many people took advantage of the time at home for improvement projects. So installing a pool may take more time and money than you originally expected.
The bottom line? Adding an inground pool may be a risky move and you may not see the return on investment you desire from such a project. If you already have an inground pool, however, be sure your home’s sale price reflects that added value. You can also update your pool by adding a wet bar, snack bar, fence, and updated pool deck, as these upgrades will increase the value of your pool, as well as your entire property.
